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By Meghan Waters, Class of 2014
Before Oxford (4/29):
Many thanks to the McConnell Center for exposing me to England and all its history. I can’t wait to go back!
Before Oxford (4/29):
This is my
last day in the U.S.A. before I embark on my journey to England. As I’m doing some last minute packing, lots
of thoughts are swirling around in my mind.
I’ve been to London, England before, so I somewhat know what to expect,
but this will be my first time in Oxford.
I’m really looking forward to studying C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and
others in the place where they found inspiration. Maybe I’ll find some inspiration as
well!
During Oxford (5/5): This is our last day in Oxford before we head to London. Needless to say, I have been very impressed
with Oxford. I am in love with the small
atmosphere; London is huge in comparison.
There is so much to do, yet it still has a small town feel. I’ve also enjoyed all the colleges of Oxford
University that we’ve visited. Each
campus is very quiet, neat, and overall conducive to learning and studying. I can see why C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and
others were able to write there; I would be much more productive in an atmosphere
like that!
My favorite part of the trip so far has been Stratford-upon-Avon. I can’t describe what it was like walking the streets that Shakespeare walked and visiting Holy Trinity Church where he attended services and where he is now buried. To top it all off, we saw the Comedy of Errors while we were there. The whole experience made Shakespeare seem so much more real, rather than just another famous dead guy you study in high school. Now it’s off to the big city...
My favorite part of the trip so far has been Stratford-upon-Avon. I can’t describe what it was like walking the streets that Shakespeare walked and visiting Holy Trinity Church where he attended services and where he is now buried. To top it all off, we saw the Comedy of Errors while we were there. The whole experience made Shakespeare seem so much more real, rather than just another famous dead guy you study in high school. Now it’s off to the big city...
After Oxford (5/11): I’ve now been back in the U.S. for two days, and I must say,
it’s good to be home. However, I had an
amazing time overseas, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to experience
England with some of my closest McConnell Center friends.
When I came
home to America, I started comparing it to England, and I realized how young
our country really is. When I was at
Westminster Abbey, I saw tombs of kings who had ruled in the mid-15th
century. At that time, people didn’t
even know North America existed!!! It’s
hard to understand how old England’s history really is when you’re used to
living in a country whose roots only date to the 17th century.
Many thanks to the McConnell Center for exposing me to England and all its history. I can’t wait to go back!